Hurricane winds and flying debris can break your windows, result in water damage, and even cause your home to suffer structural damage. If you live in Florida it is important to be prepared for hurricane season. When it comes to hurricane window protection options, there are many options. They range from single-use options like plywood to temporary options like storm panels, to more expensive, permanent options like hurricane shutters and impact windows.
This article explains all the different types of hurricane protection as well as their pros and cons.
Hurricane Window Protection Options
Below we give an overview of the available, hurricane window protection options. For each, you will see an introduction of what they are as well as their key advantages and considerations (downsides).
1. Plywood
Summary: Plywood is affordable, but it is a single-use and labor-intensive window protection option
Certain types of plywood are an option if you have no other options. It is affordable compared to other options on this list. However, it is very labor intensive. It requires you to measure, cut, and fasten heavy plywood boards on each window. You will need the tools, time, and labor/help to get plywood on your windows and doors. It is also critical to ensure the fasteners, typically anchoring screws or anchors, are adequate to hold the plywood on your home.
Advantages of Plywood As a Hurricane Window Protection Option
- Cost: It is the most affordable choice when compared to other hurricane window protection options on this list. It may need to be replaced each storm if it is deteriorated.
Disadvantages and Considerations of Plywood
Plywood has its disadvantages, which include:
- Labor Intensive and not easy to install: Plywood is by far the most labor-intensive hurricane window protection option. It needs to be cut to size and fastened to your home. Installing anchors involves drilling and fastening. Plywood is extremely heavy as well, making it a tiring job and requiring more than one person.
- Reliability: Plywood has the potential to pull away from the fasteners, especially if you use wood that is to thin, rotted or damaged plywood, or low-strength (ex: OSB sheets). The fasteners themselves also are at risk of being detached from your home if not properly attached or anchored. If plywood gets detached from your home it can lead to broken windows and further damage.
- Storage requirements: Plywood requires more storage room than any other option on this list, even storm panels. Proper plywood is thick and will take a good amount of room to store.
- No Insurance Discounts: Plywood does not qualify for insurance discounts, even if cut to size and anchored properly.
If a storm is approaching and you have no other storm window protectors than plywood is better than no window protection. But long-term your home needs more reliable window protection. There are various types of hurricane window protection options available that are more reliable and easier to install. All of the hurricane window protection options below are hurricane-rated and will protect your home and provide peace of mind.
2. STORM PANELS
Summary: Storm panels are a removable and affordable option, but they are also labor-intensive hurricane window protection option
Storm panels are a popular choice of hurricane protection in Florida. Outside of plywood, they are the most affordable option. They are overlapping, corrugated panels that act as a shield over the exterior of your windows and doors. They come in metal, aluminum, or clear plastic (polycarbonate) material. They are removable, which means they must be installed and removed for each storm. This makes them one of the most labor-intensive hurricane protection options available.
Advantages of Storm Panels
- Economical hurricane protection option. This makes them a good fit for a lower cost option vs other permanent types of shutters.
- Meet the Florida Building Code, and are hurricane-rated
- Come in a range of materials, including galvanized steel, aluminum, and clear hurricane panels
- Qualify for insurance discounts
Disadvantages and Considerations of Storm panels
- Labor intensive to install and uninstall: Storm panels need to be installed and uninstalled every storm. They are heavy and cumbersome, especially if installing them on a ladder. They attach to your home by screwing into your home’s exterior walls with specialized fasteners. Some systems, such as ours, include rail and tracks systems to make it easier to install them.
- Storage requirements: Storm panels need to be removed after a storm passes and stored. They take a good amount of room to store so this should be considered if you are short of space.
3. Hurricane Shutters
Hurricane shutters are available in several different styles. They range from basic window protection coverings to decorative hurricane shutters. Each have their own unique features as well as benefits and considerations. But at their core, they are all impact resistant hurricane shutters made to protect your home vs wind and flying debris during a hurricane.
Want to learn more about hurricane shutters? Read our helpful guide called What Are Hurricane Shutters & Types of Hurricane Shutters.
The most common hurricane shutter styles are listed below. We include an introduction as well as key features and benefits. If you want to learn more about any of them, just click the button to navigate to each product page.
3A. Accordion Shutters
Summary: Manual, permanent hurricane shutters that offer good value and good protection
Accordion shutters are a style of permanent hurricane shutters. They are made from impact-resistant aluminum. They are manually operated but they are easy to open and close. They slide horizontally along a track in a simple push and pull fashion. They can be operated either inside or outside of your home. As a bonus there is an optional locking mechanism to provide added security for your home as well.
Accordions are quick and easy to deploy. It should take approximately 15-30 minutes to prepare an average size, one-story home.
Advantages of Accordion Shutters:
- Excellent hurricane protection: they are hurricane-rated and meet the Florida Building Code as well as local building codes.
- Quick and easy to deploy: even though they are manually operated they are easy to open and close. Can be operated from inside or outside of your house.
- High value and offer many benefits for a reasonable price
- Good aesthetics – accordion shutters have a simple design that does not detract from the look of your home
- Security protection: optional locking mechanism provides home security
- Qualify for insurance discounts
3B. ROLL-DOWN SHUTTERS
Summary: Manual or automatic, permanent hurricane shutters that offer excellent protection.
Roll down hurricane shutters are another style of permanent hurricane shutter. They are retrofit/installed over the exterior of windows, doors, and other openings. These shutters open and close vertically along vertical tracks. Roll shutters come in both manual and automatic operation. Manual versions are operated with a crank or strap mechanism. Automatic versions are operated with a button, remote, or smart phone app.
Advantages of Roll Down Shutters:
- Very Convenient and Quick to Deploy: Roll down shutters offer the ultimate in convenience, especially automatic versions. They are quick and easy to deploy before a storm.
- Excellent Protection: Offer excellent hurricane and security protection
- Available in both manually controlled and via electric versions, providing options for different budgets
- Meet Florida Building Codes and local building code requirements
- Qualify for insurance discounts
- Backup power systems ensure use in the event of a power outage
Disadvantages and Considerations of Roll Shutters
- Higher cost than some other hurricane protection options
- Electric versions require additional electrical work
- More moving parts require periodic maintenance
3C. Decorative Hurricane Shutters: Bahama and Colonial Shutters
Decorative hurricane shutters include Bahama and Colonial Shutters. These styles of hurricane shutters are designed to provide strong hurricane protection and curb appeal to your home.
Bahama shutters are a great fit for South and Southwest Florida because of their tropical aesthetics. They are extremely capable shutters designed for hurricane protection and are available in models rated for HVHZ use. In addition, they also provide other benefits, such as shade and privacy.
Colonial shutters are a perfect fit for Southern style or traditional/colonial style homes here in Florida. They look like traditional colonial shutters, but they are made from impact resistant aluminum. These shutters are also capable of withstanding serious hurricanes. So you can create that perfect look while also protecting your home and family.
Advantages of Decorative Hurricane Shutters: Bahama and Colonial Shutters
- Excellent hurricane protection: Decorative hurricane shutters offer very good hurricane protection
- Aesthetics: Attractive looks and styling make them a great fit for those trying to add to their home and boost its curb appeal
- Easy to Deploy: Bahama shutters are easy to deploy, allowing you to prepare your home quickly.
Disadvantages and Considerations of Decorative Hurricane Shutters
- Higher cost: these premium hurricane shutters have a higher cost than most others on this list
- Colonial shutters require a storm bar so they are a bit cumbersome to install vs some other types of shutters
4. Impact Resistant Windows (and Doors)
You can also replace your windows (and doors) with impact glass windows and doors. Impact resistant windows are constructed of laminated glass, which consists of multiple layers of glass and a strong, polymer interlayer that holds the glass together. They also have impact resistant frames (vinyl or aluminum), advanced glazings, and durable hardware and components.
Laminated glass is able to take severe impacts. If hit hard enough it may fracture, but the glass remains in place due to the polymer interlayer. This means even if your window is struck your home will remain “closed” and secured.
Impact glass also makes your home more secure. Burglars and intruders will be deterred once they realize how hard it is to break through the glass.
Best yet, impact windows & doors offer 24/7 protection for your home and family. You will not have to install any shutters, panels, plywood, etc. Your home is already ready for even the worst hurricanes.
Advantages of Impact Resistant Windows
- 24/7 protection requires zero installation or preparation before a storm
- Excellent hurricane protection, some windows able to withstand up to a category 5 storm
- Security protection – these windows are near impossible for intruders to break through
- Great aesthetics: they look the same as new, replacement windows – they will not change the look of your home (except for the better)
- Energy efficiency: impact windows help to reduce energy bills and make your home more comfortable
- Noise reduction: help lower outside noise in the house
- Meet Florida Building Code and local building code requirements
Disadvantages and Considerations of Impact Windows
- Upfront cost: impact windows are typically more expensive than other hurricane window protection options, including hurricane shutters
- Replacement cost: they are also more expensive to replace if damaged during a hurricane or other event
5. HURRICANE SCREENS
EUREX SHUTTERS PTX™ Hurricane Screens are a fabulous option for protecting wide openings, such as your lanai, patio, and other larger, exterior openings. They are retractable, opening and closing along permanently installed tracks on the side of each opening. They are available in either manual or automatic versions (with electronic or solar motors).
Our premium, aramid screen product have great aesthetics. They look like high-end, exterior sun shades. But they are also hurricane-rated to offer maximum hurricane protection. In addition to hurricane protection, they also provide shade, privacy, and keep moisture, wind, and debris out of your patio/lanai.
Advantages of Hurricane Screens
- Easy and Quick to Deploy: hurricane screens are easy to open and close
- Great Aesthetics: Attractive, high-end looks. They also have a minimalist design, including slim housing boxes.
- Lots of Benefits – hurricane screens also offer shade, privacy, and keep out wind, moisture, pests, and debris
Disadvantages and Considerations of Hurricane Screens
- Limited to wide openings: suitable for wide openings, such as patios and lanais, not ideal for use over individual windows due to flex in the screens. Hurricane fabric panels are a better option for individual window openings (see below).
- Cost: hurricane screens are a premium product with a higher cost
6. HURRICANE FABRIC
There are different variations of hurricane fabric available on the market. They range in terms of materials (polypropylene vs aramid) as well as fastener systems. But all of them share the common trait of being flexible, fabric, hurricane protection panels that cover your windows and/or doors.
Hurricane fabric panels are easier to handle vs traditional, rigid storm panels we discussed above. Our fabric hurricane panels are made of reinforced, soft-sided aramid fiber fabric. This material is extremely strong, lightweight, and flexible. This is a step above competitive products using polypropylene.
Advantages of Hurricane Fabric
- Good hurricane protection: hurricane fabric is hurricane-rated, meets the Florida Building Code and local building codes
- Easier installation vs storm panels: hurricane fabric is lighter and easier to handle and install vs rigid, storm panels
- Less storage room vs storm panels: these are foldable so they take up less room to store
- Economical (affordable) vs many other options on this list
Factors to Consider When Choosing Hurricane Window Protection
Homes in Florida require reliable, adequate hurricane protection. The last few hurricane seasons have proven that Florida residents need to prepare their homes, no matter where they live in the Sunshine state. But how do you know what to look for in your hurricane protection? Here are some things that you should look for and factors to consider.
- Cost: consider your budget and find options that match it. There are a wide range of protection options. They range from affordable options like plywood and storm panels to more expensive ones like permanent hurricane shutters and impact-resistant windows.
- Ease (or Difficulty) of Installation: determine if you want a labor-intensive option like storm panels or plywood, a no-effort option like impact windows, or something in between. Impact windows will offer the most convenience, followed by roll down shutters, and other permanent shutters. While storm panels are cheaper, they take a lot more time and effort to install them. It is important to consider your situation (your physical capabilities, your physical presence, etc.). Having hurricane protection you cannot install is not much use.
- Meet Florida Building Code and other code compliance requirements
- Meet Local Building Codes and any special requirements in your specific municipality or county, such as Miami-Dade requirements, HVHZ-use, etc.
- Constructed with high-quality, impact resistant materials that will withstand both major hurricanes as well as the test of time
- Aesthetics (good looks), be easy to use, and offer many benefits to you and your home
Get The Hurricane Protection Products You Need
If you are searching for hurricane window protection products for your home, EUREX SHUTTERS of Southwest Florida offers a wide selection of custom hurricane shutters, impact windows and doors, hurricane screens, hurricane fabric, storm panels, and more! If you are still unsure which hurricane protection solutions are best for your property, contact us for a free consultation with one of our experienced team members.
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
